Senate Panel's Plan Proposes $25.5 Million Hike Daniel J. Fitzgibbons CHRONICLE STAFF May 19, 2000 The University stands to gain $25.5 million in new funding under a Fiscal Year 2001 budget plan unveiled Wednesday by the Senate Ways and Means Committee. The spending blueprint crafted by committee chairman Sen. Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford) includes $481,272,165 for the University system. The five-campus system currently receives $455,729,800 in state support. Last month, the House approved a budget calling for a $16.7 million increase for the University. The House also approved $8 million in deferred maintenance funds for higher education and $10 million for endowment matching funds to encourage private fund-raising. Another $11 million was allocated to the statewide Library Materials Reserve and Commonwealth College was level-funded at $1.75 million. The Senate Ways and Means Committee plan also includes the $10 million in matching funds and $1.75 million for Commonwealth College. However, the budget does not include deferred maintenance funds for higher education, instead substituting a $45 million reserve for all state facilities. Montigny's proposal also calls for $14 million for library materials, the same amount funded by the state last year. Chancellor David Scott hailed the news of the Senate committee's plan. "I am extremely pleased with the support of the Senate leadership as shown in this budget. The Senate has been a consistent champion of higher education in general and of the University of Massachusetts in particular. We are extremely grateful to Senate President Thomas F. Birmingham, Ways and Means Chairman Mark C. Montigny, Majority Leader Linda J. Melconian, and Assistant Majority Leader Stanley C. Rosenberg," he said. "This budget continues the momentum begun in the House, and it shows the growing support for the University by the entire Legislature." Scott also singled out Rosenberg for special appreciation: "As always, we appreciate Stan Rosenberg's tireless efforts on behalf of the University." The Ways and Means Committee's budget plan now faces debate by the full Senate.